What Is a Product Specialist? Definition and Overview

Think of a product specialist as a guru who knows everything there is to know about a specific product they are working on. A product specialist is someone who is passionate about a product and has a deep understanding of the design, functionality, and user experience.

If you are passionate about diving deep into a product and curious about its nooks and corner, this profession is right for you. In this article, find out more about a product specialist’s role in an organization and decide your path from there!

What Is a Product Specialist?

A product specialist plays an essential part in any product team, bringing expertise, passion, and a deep understanding of the product to ensure its success.

What Does a Product Specialist Do?

A product specialist’s job description will look something like this:

• A product specialist conducts market research and helps sales teams develop sales techniques to grab customers’ attention.

• They collaborate with business units to develop plans to increase revenue through products.

• Developing product positioning and messaging strategies

• Analyzing product performance data to identify areas for improvement

• Monitoring competitor products and market trends to stay up-to-date on industry developments.

• Analyze the customer feedback and use it to build the products better

• Calculate whether the strategies implemented by other departments are adequate for the product

• Creating product demonstrations and training materials for sales teams and customers

• When planning for new product developments, outlining the guidelines and pricing strategies for the products

• Constantly coordinating with engineering and manufacturing teams

• To make sure customers are satisfied, addressing their issues

• Working hand in hand with the business teams to attract new customers and retain the existing customer pool

• Reading, understanding, and keeping up to date with the recent trends in products, ways to market, sales, and other necessary details

• Maintaining documentation for details regarding products-new and old

Is a Product Specialist the Same as a Product Manager?

Although product specialist works closely with a product manager, their roles differ in terms of their level of involvement in the product development process and the scope of their responsibilities.

A product manager is typically responsible for the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch and beyond. 

On the other hand, a product specialist typically focuses on a specific aspect of the product, such as its features, benefits, or target audience. They work with the product management team to develop messaging and positioning for the product and may also work with the marketing team to create marketing materials and product demos.

A product specialist’s job requirements differ from those of a PM. For a product specialist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field, 2-5 years of experience in product marketing or a related, a strong understanding of product development processes and customer needs, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and proficiency with product marketing and sales tools, such as Salesforce, Hubspot. 

Whereas for a product manager’s role, you’ll require 5-7 years of product management experience and a Strong understanding of product development processes and customer needs, among other requirements.

Regarding the difference in skill levels of PMs and product specialists, although they are the same skill set, some vary. Both these roles require excellent communication skills to explain and understand complex products. Organizational skills are necessary to monitor deadlines, progress, products, and projects. 

The main difference comes in wrt the research and business-focused skills. Product specialists will need strong research skills to collect and analyze product data. On the other hand, product managers require business skills like marketing and budgeting to manage products effectively. 

How To Become a Product Specialist?

To become a product specialist, one typically needs a combination of education, experience, and skills. Here are some qualifications and pathways that can help you attain the position of product specialist:

Education

Many product specialist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing or business, or a technical field, like engineering or computer science. Some companies may also prefer candidates with a master’s degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Experience

To become a product specialist, you typically need relevant work experience in product marketing, sales, or customer service. Some companies may require 2-5 years of experience in a related field, while others may require more.

Industry Knowledge

You should understand the industry in which the product operates, including market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape. You can gain this through research, networking, and attending industry events.

Technical Knowledge

Depending on the product, you may need technical knowledge, such as programming languages, software development, or engineering concepts. You can gain technical knowledge through education, training programs, or online courses.

Interpersonal Skills

As a product specialist, you must work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, and sales. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Certifications

There are various product management and marketing certifications available that can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in the field. 

Networking

Building a strong professional network can also help you attain a position as a product specialist. Attend industry events, connect with other professionals in your field on LinkedIn, and consider joining industry associations or organizations to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

How Much Salary Can a Product Specialist Expect?

The salary of a product specialist can vary depending on several factors, such as years of experience, location, industry, company size, and specific job responsibilities. 

According to Glassdoor, as of April 2023, the average base salary for a product specialist in the United States is around $65,000 to $98,000 annually. 

In general, the salary for a product specialist tends to be higher than entry-level product management roles but lower than more senior product management roles such as product manager or director. 

Some industries, such as technology or healthcare, offer salaries for product specialists higher than average due to the demand for these roles.

It’s important to note that the salary for a product specialist can also vary depending on the company’s compensation structure. Some companies may offer bonuses, equity, or other incentives besides the base salary.